“I find gross negligence and the disregard for the safety of others was displayed in the incident Saturday night and therefore Officer Flowers was terminated today,” Sheriff David Carpenter told CBS affiliate WNCN .

"This is a very tragic situation for all involved, the officer, her family, her career and everyone that has been touched by this," he added.

The 911 call was placed at 11.23pm on Saturday from Flowers's residence in Lincolnton.

According to the New York Daily News , the 38-year-old officer worked with the Lincoln Sheriff's Department since 2015 and previously worked at the Catawba County Sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Carpenter said that firearms are expected to be locked away safely in officers' homes.

The State Bureau of Investigation is looking into the incident, police said.